As a lover of all things wine and adventure, I have been itching to leave the city of Charlotte behind. I could go to my local haunts, but I wanted something new and unique to fill my weekend with. That is how I recently found myself meandering through the charming landscapes of Kings Mountain, North Carolina. Only 30 minutes away from Charlotte and nestled amid rolling hills and picturesque vineyards, Veronet Vineyards beckoned me with promises of exquisite wines and a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. I invited my friends Marissa and Serena, along with their dog Bruno to come along for the journey to practice our superpowers; making wine disappear.
The journey to Veronet Vineyards was an adventure in itself, with winding country roads leading us through acres of lush greenery and sun-kissed fields. As we approached the vineyard, the sprawling 10 acres of Cabernet Franc, Viognier, Chambourcin, Traminette, Merlot, and Grüner Veltliner vines seemed to reach out in welcome, their leaves rustling in the gentle breeze. The estate exudes charm, with a modern farmhouse and sweeping outdoor seating at its heart.
Upon entering the tasting room, we were greeted by the warm and friendly staff, eager to share their passion for the wine. The inviting atmosphere hints at the dedication behind Veronet’s craft.
"Let’s pop some corks!" Marissa exclaimed, and with that, we began the tasting. Each flight is 3 glasses that you can either pick your choices of wine, or you can go with one of their predesigned flight options. My first pick, the Sauvignon Blanc. The golden elixir danced on my palate, revealing notes of crisp pears and a refreshing bite of lemon. Moving on, I chose a glass of the Sierra Foothills Red Blend. The staff told us that this blend is a symphonic mix of Tempranillo, Petite Sirah, and Syrah, meant as that perfect pairing for fruit and chocolate. I had to test this myself, so I ordered the Fruit & Cheese board, you know, for science. Last, but not least; their award-winning Petite Sirah. Winning a silver medal at the 2020 London Wine Competition, all three of us knew we had to get a sip of it. This proved to be a revelation. Its velvety texture enveloped my senses, offering up a richness of dark chocolate and dense tannin. Each sip transported me to the sun-drenched vineyards where the grapes had ripened to perfection, absorbing the terroir that defines Veronet’s unique character.
We honestly could have stayed here forever. Blankets in tow, we set ourselves up outside to enjoy the scenery. Marissa and Serena took a walk around on the estate’s walking trail, giving Bruno the chance to pick up some bragging rights for his next dog park visit. The three of us decided to extend our visit past the wine and check out what other food options they had to offer.
A great perk of visiting on weekends is that aside from their menu of large charcuterie boards, you also have the option to try some local food trucks that serve up everything from pizza to barbecue. Vita la Pizza was serving up wood-fired pizzas, and no sane person can turn that down. Bruno gobbled up some crusts, and Serena asks, "Bruno, do you like Veronet?" To which he valiantly proclaimed, "Woof!" The three of us agreed, that was a resounding yes.
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a casual enthusiast, or a dog trying to get some classy cred at the dog park, a visit to Veronet Vineyards is a sojourn into a world where passion, craftsmanship, and nature converge to create an unforgettable experience. I left with a bottle, a heart full of memories, and a promise to return to this gem in Kings Mountain, where the spirit of the vineyard lingers long after the last drop is savored.